June 25, 2026
ADEN, YEMEN — In a significant step reinforcing international cooperation and port infrastructure development, the Yemen Gulf of Aden Ports Corporation (YGAPC) hosted a high-level Japanese delegation led by the Ambassador of Japan to Yemen, H.E. Mr. Yoichi Nakashima, yesterday, Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
The visit underscores Japan's ongoing commitment to supporting Yemen’s vital economic gateways and closely inspecting key development and rehabilitation projects across the Port of Aden.
A Comprehensive Tour of Strategic Port Assets
The official visit commenced at the Ma’alla Wharf, a bustling hub of port operations. The delegation observed the flow of cargo traffic and discussed the immense importance and versatility of the cargoes handled by the wharf. Deputy Executive Chairman, Eng. Abdulrab, took the opportunity to extend his deepest gratitude to the Japanese Ambassador for Japan's funding and support in the successful Ma’alla Wharf warehouse refurbishment project, which has significantly improved the port's logistics and storage capabilities. He also highlighted upcoming projects that represent strong potential for future Japanese funding via the UNDP as Phase III.
The itinerary then moved to the Marine Department, where the delegation visited the Aden Port Control Tower. Here, the Ambassador was briefed on the technical and operational management of incoming and outgoing vessel traffic navigating the crucial waters of the Gulf of Aden. Eng. Abdulrab highlighted the successful pilot project funded and implemented by the UNDP, which modernized the tower with a state-of-the-art Vessel Traffic Management Information System (VTMIS). This system has vastly enhanced the Marine Department's visualization of vessel navigation, tremendously improving overall port safety and security. Looking forward, Eng. Abdulrab noted that a potential Phase II of this critical system could also be an ideal candidate for future Japanese government funding.
The high-level tour concluded at the Technical Department, where the delegation inspected the construction site of the new marine maintenance workshop. This critical infrastructure asset, currently underway to enhance the port's engineering resilience, is generously funded by the Government of Japan and implemented via the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
JICA's Deep Engagement and Future Collaboration
Throughout the comprehensive tour, the delegation showed immense interest in the operational dynamics of the facility. In particular, Mr. Yu Ebisawa, Chief Representative of JICA Yemen, expressed great enthusiasm about the port’s strategic capabilities. He engaged deeply at every stage of the visit, asking detailed operational questions and listening intently to the technical briefings provided by the port's engineering and maritime teams.
This active engagement aligns perfectly with YGAPC’s forward-looking strategy. The port management expressed its strong eagerness to actively involve JICA in upcoming technical assistance programs, recognizing JICA's world-class expertise as a vital asset for the port's long-term human resource development and operational capacity-building initiatives.
A Shared Commitment to Progress
Reflecting on the successful visit, H.E. Ambassador Yoichi Nakashima expressed his strong confidence in the port’s leadership and long-term potential, stating:
"Thank you very much for taking us on this tour and for the thorough explanations provided to us and the JICA delegation today. We have come away firmly convinced that the Port of Aden possesses excellent potential, and that the port management, along with your team, is performing exceptionally well despite limited support."
The high-level visit was also attended by a distinguished diplomatic and development delegation, including Ms. Kaori Fujiki (Second Secretary, Political and Cultural Affairs), and Mr. Soichiro Shimamura (Second Secretary, Consular and Security Affairs). Representing JICA were Mr. Atsuki Yamamoto (Deputy Representative), while the UNDP was represented by Mr. Abdel-Moneim Mustafa (Head of Aden Office) and Mr. Murad Shishani (Port Project Manager). The delegation was accompanied at the Technical Department by the onsite team responsible for the project's execution, headed by Mr. Naser Taleb (Workshop Manager) along with Eng. Ammar Al-Kaaki (UNDP Technical Workshop Project Supervisor) and the port engineers in charge of the workshop construction supervision. The management of YGAPC reaffirmed their dedication to working hand-in-hand with the Government of Japan, JICA, and the UNDP to ensure the Port of Aden remains a robust, efficient, and modern maritime hub driving regional recovery and commerce.
